Sourcing airport surveillance radars from China

0% duty on airport surveillance radars

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8526 covers radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus. Ground-based airport surveillance radar is the focus here. The radar configurations in the table share commodity code 8526 10 00 90; they are not separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for radar apparatus from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The duty range across the supplied heading lines is also 0%. Import VAT is normally 20%. See UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code against the complete system description and packing list, especially where spare parts or ancillary equipment are invoiced separately. For the wider radar heading and a different operating environment, see marine radar systems.

Specify coverage, tracking and airport interfaces

State whether the requirement is primary radar, secondary radar or a combined installation. Define the coverage area, target types, detection and tracking acceptance criteria, clutter conditions and required behaviour during equipment failure. Agree how the antenna, processor, display interfaces, power supply and site works divide between the factory and the airport contractor.

Specify operating frequency, transmitter characteristics, antenna configuration, data output format, time synchronisation and compatibility with the airport's existing surveillance processing. Agree factory and site acceptance procedures using recorded results, including clutter rejection, track continuity and changeover to standby equipment.

For equipment covered by the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, obtain the declaration of conformity and evidence covering radio, electromagnetic compatibility and safety requirements. Check the applicable CE or UKCA marking, importer identification and English instructions. Agree the operational approval route with the airport operator. The CAA may approve people to provide particular services connected with approved equipment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: a complete secondary airport surveillance radar system under 8526 10 00 90, invoiced at £300,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £305,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £305,000, so it is £61,000. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Configuration: match equipment identifiers, antenna assembly, transmitter, processor and installed firmware to the agreed specification and conformity documents.

Performance: witness the agreed detection, position accuracy, clutter rejection and track continuity tests; retain the raw results and test configuration.

Integration: demonstrate data exchange, time synchronisation, fault reporting and standby changeover with the intended airport interfaces.

Arrival condition: inspect antenna alignment points, bearings, seals, connectors and cabinet interiors for transport damage or moisture; reconcile accessories, manuals and spares against the packing list.

What goes wrong

A demonstration with clear surroundings can hide lost tracks or false targets in rain, ground clutter or nearby wind turbine conditions. Treat claimed coverage as a testable specification. Require the supplier to explain the test targets, installation assumptions and processing settings behind its results.

Integration can fail when the supplied data format, timing or firmware differs from the approved sample. Replacement boards can also change the tested configuration. Record configuration changes and agree repeat acceptance checks before shipment. Use testing and certification support to review the evidence against the equipment being bought.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.